Is 200 Saloon Vs Sportcross

DeeTees · February 28, 2003

Hello everybody - a newbie here, so please be gentle.

My other half is downsizing from a 4x4 to an MR2 and my local Lexus dealer is offering what (seems to be) a good price on my 2000W SE against a new 200 SportCross. Our lifestyle (yuk !) means that a practical car is often called for (y'know, trips to the dump, B&Q...) so the folding seats and rear door would be good - the MR2 has room for her handbag and spare pair of shoes and nowt else.

But...how does the SportCross stack up against the saloon re: handling, fuel etc - I haven't driven one yet - the dealers waiting for his new demonstrater to be registered. Any comparisons out there ?

Also...it comes with the 16" alloys as standard - which look like a set of tractor wheels after the 17"ers I have now. I am being quoted £1500 to upgrade to the 17"ers, and the dealer gets to keep the standard 5 wheels and tyres - is this a good deal ?

javaboss · February 28, 2003

I've just ordered a brand new IS200 SE auto. If you want to know how much I paid (and what options I got) then PM me and I'll tell you. (the dealer asked me not to broadcast the price I paid)

I don't think you'll believe it when I tell you. You can then see if you think your dealer is helping you out! :D

UKPulse · February 28, 2003

As far as performance/handling are concerned, unless you're very perceptive or continually push the car to the absolute limit, you probably won't notice any difference between the saloon and the sportcross.

A while back I asked to try the IS300 (saloon) as I was thinking of changing. The dealer only had the sportcross on the road at the time, but assured me that I wouldn't know the difference. I drove it, and the saloon subsequently, and he was right... there were no clues in how it drove or handled! I imagine the same will be true of the IS200 variants.

The one criticism I did have of the sportcross is that (particularly at this time of year, when the roads are sh*te) the rear window gets filthy real quick! <_<

mac · March 2, 2003

We moved from an IS200SE to the 300 SportCross(at the time the 200 version was imminent-but stupidly I forgot to mention that bit to the War Dept!!!) We changed purely for practical reasons ie:- B&Q trips and nause like that!!

Well pleased with it,far easier to live with from our point of view,test drive one over a weekend-see how you get on

jim · March 3, 2003

With the loads you will be carrying when you fold the seats down you might find the IS300 Sportcross a better "lifestyle" car.

Had mine about 8 months now and I think I have folded the seats down two or three times, but the 3 litre engine is there to play with every day :D (unless there is any snow/ice)

NigeSt · March 4, 2003

Also...it comes with the 16" alloys as standard - which look like a set of tractor wheels after the 17"ers I have now. I am being quoted £1500 to upgrade to the 17"ers, and the dealer gets to keep the standard 5 wheels and tyres - is this a good deal ?

The difference between list price of the IS200 saloon (16" wheels) and the IS200 SE saloon (17" wheels) is £1600, but that comes with more than just better wheels, so I'd say you've been offered a very bad deal.

Nige